2011 Penny Value (2026 Guide): Errors List,”D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

Most people toss a 2011 penny into a jar without a second thought. That could be a costly mistake.

While the majority of 2011 Lincoln Shield cents are worth exactly one cent in worn condition, a small percentage of survivors in pristine, uncirculated form have sold for hundreds of dollars at major auction houses. One Denver Mint example graded MS68 RD (Mint State 68, Red — meaning the coin still has its full original copper-red color) sold for an astonishing $667. A proof specimen struck by the San Francisco Mint has reached $390.

This guide covers every 2011 penny variety, exactly what drives their values, every confirmed error type with real auction prices, and how to tell whether you have a common coin or a potential treasure.

 

2011 Penny Value By Variety

This value chart shows current market prices for 2011 pennies in different conditions, with 2011 D Shield Penny specimens commanding the highest premiums among circulating coins, while proof versions like the 2011-S DCAM offer distinct collector value at $6.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2011 Penny Worth Money

The Denver MS68 RD specimen at $667 holds the top spot, demonstrating how extraordinary preservation of an ordinary circulation coin can dramatically outperform even specialized proof production. Understanding the grade difference makes this easier to grasp: MS (Mint State) means the coin has never circulated, and 68 on the 70-point Sheldon Scale is near-perfect — virtually flawless under magnification.

What collectors call the “grade cliff effect” is on full display here. MS67 examples from both mints sell for roughly $39–$55, but that single grade jump to MS68 produces a $575–$667 value spike. In coin collecting, tiny differences in preservation create enormous differences in price.

The proof hierarchy also tells its own story. The standard PR70 DCAM (Proof 70, Deep Cameo — meaning mirrored fields with frosty white devices) sells for $390, outperforming the First Strike designation at $355. This reveals a market truth: technical perfection matters more to collectors than timing labels like “First Strike.”

The Lyndall Bass signature version at $58 remains the most accessible entry point into designer-signed numismatics — a coin that bridges fine art and coin collecting at a beginner-friendly price.

 

History of the 2011 Penny

To appreciate what the 2011 penny represents, you need to understand the design journey that produced it.

The Lincoln cent had carried the Lincoln Memorial on its reverse from 1959 through 2008. In 2009, four special Bicentennial reverse designs briefly replaced it to mark the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. But those designs were always meant to be temporary — the U.S. Mint needed a permanent new reverse for 2010 and beyond.

The solution came through the U.S. Mint’s Artist Infusion Program, which invites professional artists from outside the mint to submit coin designs. Lyndall Bass, a fine arts painter from Michigan, submitted four designs. Her Union Shield concept — featuring 13 vertical stripes (representing the original colonies) topped by a horizontal bar (symbolizing federal unity) — was ultimately selected. In an NGC interview, Bass described the selection process: two of her designs featuring the shield motif reached the finals before the shield-only version was chosen. Sculptor Joseph F. Menna, who would later become Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint in 2019, translated Bass’s artwork into a coinable design.

The Shield cent debuted in 2010. By 2011, its second year of production, the design had moved from experimental novelty to standardized mass production. The mint obverse was also subtly retooled — engineers returned to the original 1909 Lincoln galvano (master model) to prepare new dies, giving 2011 coins a slightly crisper portrait than some transitional years.

Notably, the entire Shield cent era — spanning 2010 through November 2025 — represents the final chapter of the Lincoln penny. On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Mint ceased striking pennies for general circulation after production costs rose to approximately 3.7 cents per coin. Five pennies struck on that final day were sent to auction. This historical closure makes every dated Shield cent, including 2011 examples, a permanent part of the record of America’s longest-running coin design.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 2011 Penny Rare?

To analyze rarity patterns across different years and mints, our CoinValueChecker App provides comprehensive data and trend analysis for serious collectors.

 

Key Features of The 2011 Penny

Understanding the physical characteristics of a 2011 penny helps you identify exactly what you have and spot potential varieties or errors. Here is what every part of this coin looks like.

The Obverse Of The 2011 Penny

Victor David Brenner’s enduring Lincoln portrait faces right, as it has on every Lincoln cent since 1909. The motto “In God We Trust” curves above Lincoln’s head, “Liberty” appears to his left, and the date “2011” sits before his chest.

The mint mark appears directly below the date — blank for Philadelphia strikes, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco proof coins. Brenner’s initials “VDB” appear subtly on Lincoln’s shoulder truncation, honoring a design tradition that spans over a century.

The Reverse Of The 2011 Penny

Lyndall Bass’s Union Shield fills the reverse, with thirteen vertical stripes topped by a horizontal band. A scroll bearing “One Cent” crosses the shield’s center, while “United States of America” follows the upper rim and “E Pluribus Unum” appears below the shield.

Both Bass’s initials “LB” and sculptor Joseph Menna’s “JM” appear flanking the scroll — making the 2011 penny one of only a few U.S. coins that carries two sets of artist initials on its reverse at once.

Other Features Of The 2011 Penny

The 2011 penny is made of a zinc core with 2.5% copper plating — a composition that has been used for circulation Lincoln cents since 1982. This is why a heavily scratched modern penny appears silver underneath; the zinc core is exposed. The coin measures 19.05mm across, weighs exactly 2.5 grams, and has a plain (smooth) edge.

There is no such thing as a 2011 silver penny. If a 2011 Lincoln cent appears silver-colored, it has been plated, chemically altered, or the copper plating has worn away — none of which add collector value.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

2011 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 2011 penny survival data tells a harsh story: circulation is brutal. Philadelphia’s survival rate sits at roughly 10.07%, and Denver’s is nearly identical at 9.80%. That means approximately 9 out of every 10 Philadelphia and Denver 2011 pennies that were originally minted have been lost, destroyed, or rendered numismatically worthless through wear.

San Francisco’s proof specimens tell a completely different story, with an extraordinary 81.20% survival rate. This dramatic contrast — roughly 10% versus 80% — exists because proof coins are purchased by collectors and intentionally preserved, while circulation coins are spent, lost in couch cushions, or ground into oblivion.

From nearly 4.9 billion Philadelphia coins originally produced, only around 493 million are estimated to survive in any collectible state. For Denver’s 2.536 billion, the survival math is equally unforgiving. By comparison, San Francisco retained approximately 1.36 million of its 1,673,010 proof specimens.

This production-versus-survival gap explains why high-grade circulated examples command such extreme premiums. The coins exist in the billions — but the gems that escaped circulation intact are genuinely scarce.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2011 Penny Value

Grading 2011 pennies follows the Sheldon Scale, a 70-point system developed in the late 1940s by Dr. William H. Sheldon and adopted by the coin industry as the universal standard. Here is a practical summary of the grades that matter most for the 2011 penny:

Circulated grades (Poor 1 to About Uncirculated 58): These coins show wear from handling and are generally worth face value. Even well-worn 2011 pennies have no premium.

MS60–MS64: The coin has never circulated but shows contact marks, bag marks, or reduced luster from the minting and handling process. Values for 2011 pennies in these grades are minimal — typically under $2.

MS65 (Gem Uncirculated): Strong luster, good strike, and minimal distracting marks. A 2011 penny in MS65 RD is worth roughly $5–$10. RD stands for “Red” and means the coin retains its full original copper color — the most desirable color designation for Lincoln cents.

MS67: Near-perfect, with only the most minor imperfections under magnification. Values jump to $39–$55 for 2011 examples.

MS68: Essentially perfect. Only a handful of 2011 pennies have ever reached this grade. The value jumps to $575–$667 — a near-exponential leap from MS67.

For collectors seeking accurate assessments without professional submission costs, the CoinValueChecker App provides instant grade estimates and value detection.

 

2011 Penny Value Guides

Three distinct 2011 penny varieties were produced across America’s primary minting facilities during the Shield design’s second year.

2011 Penny Varieties:

• 2011 No Mint Mark Shield Penny (Philadelphia Mint)
• 2011-D Shield Penny (Denver Mint)
• 2011-S DCAM Shield Penny (San Francisco Mint)

Philadelphia’s no-mint-mark specimens and Denver’s “D” coins were struck for circulation in massive volumes. San Francisco’s “S” marked proofs were produced exclusively for coin collectors, sold in annual proof sets originally priced at $31.95, with mirror-like Deep Cameo finishes. Each variety carries unique characteristics reflecting its mint’s production purpose.

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

2011 No Mint Mark Shield Penny Value

 

Philadelphia struck 2,402,400,000 examples of the 2011 No Mint Mark Shield Penny — more than 2.4 billion coins. In worn, circulated condition, these are worth exactly one cent. The sheer production volume means the vast majority will never be worth more.

The story changes dramatically at the top of the grading scale. MS66 RD examples sell in the $10–$17 range, while an MS68 RD has achieved $575 at auction — a price that reflects not the coin’s rarity by original mintage, but by survival in near-perfect condition. The color designation matters here: “RD” (Red) coins retain their original copper-red surface, while “RB” (Red-Brown) and “BN” (Brown) coins have oxidized and carry lower premiums.

A notable technical improvement distinguishes 2011 Philadelphia production from the previous year. Quality control metrics showed measurable gains — the “weak banner” strikes that had occasionally plagued early Shield cents were largely eliminated through refined die annealing (a heat-treatment process that extends die life and improves strike consistency). This makes 2011 a foundational year for Shield cent quality.

Recent auction records reveal the surprising potential hidden within these seemingly ordinary circulation strikes.

This auction performance reflects sustained collector interest that has driven consistent market demand for high-grade Shield design specimens throughout the past decade.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

2011-D Shield Penny Value

 

The Denver Mint struck 2,536,140,000 coins in 2011 — actually surpassing Philadelphia’s output, making it the single highest-mintage variety that year. For context, that is over 2.5 billion coins from one mint in one year. Worn examples found in change are worth one cent.

Like Philadelphia’s output, MS65 specimens require only around $10 or less, but the grade cliff hits hard at MS68. The finest known Denver 2011 cent, graded MS68 RD by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), sold for $667 in a 2017 auction — the single highest price ever realized for any 2011 penny in any variety.

The “D” mint mark appears directly below the date on the obverse. Collectors seeking premium examples should look specifically for full “RD” color and sharply defined shield lines on the reverse. The doubled die variety is also worth checking (see the errors section below), as Heritage Auctions recorded a 2011-D graded MS64 with a doubled die obverse selling for $720 in 2012.

The substantial auction record reflects the premium collectors place on exceptional Denver 2011 Shield cents.

The sustained collector interest in Denver production demonstrates how regional mint preferences continue to influence modern penny values decades after striking.

 

2011-S DCAM Shield Penny Value

 

The 2011-S DCAM Shield Penny is fundamentally different from its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts. DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — a designation describing proof coins with deeply mirrored (mirror-like) fields and sharply frosted (matte white) design devices. This contrast is what makes proof coins visually stunning under light.

San Francisco produced exactly 1,673,010 of these coins, each struck twice on specially prepared planchets using polished dies. The result is a coin whose Lincoln portrait achieves maximum textural contrast against the shield’s mirror background — a quality level unachievable in normal circulation production.

These proof coins were sold by the U.S. Mint exclusively in annual proof sets, originally priced at $31.95 each. A PR70 DCAM specimen — perfect on the 70-point scale — achieved an auction record of $390 in May 2019. The combination of “RD” color and “DCAM” designation maximizes value in this variety.

Auction records will tell you which grades are getting the “traffic” of attention in the collecting world.

The market activity reflects whether the status of this coin in the hearts of collectors is stable or is experiencing fluctuations.

2011-S DCAM Lyndall Bass Shield Penny Value

The Lyndall Bass signed label variety transforms a standard proof coin into a designer-autographed collectible. Bass’s Union Shield has appeared on the reverse of more than 80 billion Lincoln cents since 2010, making her the female artist with the most widely circulated design in the history of American numismatics — according to NGC, which interviewed Bass as part of their distinguished Signer Spotlight series.

The signed subset is housed in special NGC holders bearing her authentic autograph. Despite this artistic distinction, the market prices these quite accessibly: a PR70 specimen currently sells for around $58, making it one of the most cost-effective entry points into artist-signed modern coinage. For a beginner collector, it represents remarkable value.

By tracking auction data, collectors can understand which designs have maintained cross-cultural appeal and gained high-end recognition.

Market activity analysis indicates whether this artistic achievement can maintain its influence or is facing the natural evolution of design preferences in the international collecting circle.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 2011 Penny Error List Worth Money

Error coins are created when something goes wrong during the minting process. Despite modern quality controls, 2011 Lincoln Shield cent production generated several documented error types — some with verified five-figure auction histories. Here is the complete list with confirmed sale prices.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Error

A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) occurs when the die used to strike the coin was itself impressed twice at slightly different angles during its manufacture. The result is a doubling effect visible on the coin’s design elements. On 2011 pennies, look carefully at “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” Lincoln’s ear, and his eyelid for a shadow-like doubled appearance.

Minor DDO varieties on 2011 pennies sell for $25–$50 in circulated grades and $100–$300 in higher Mint State grades. The most spectacular confirmed sale: Heritage Auctions sold a 2011-D penny graded MS64 with a doubled die obverse for $720 in 2012 — one of the highest prices ever recorded for a DDO on a modern Lincoln cent. The CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) variety reference lists multiple 2011 DDO varieties, with the strongest hub doubling affecting most obverse design elements simultaneously.

2. Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Error

A Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) shows doubling on the back of the coin, affecting the Union Shield design or its surrounding lettering. Examine “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” carefully for doubled letters. The shield’s vertical stripes can also show separation or a ghost-like second image in the strongest DDR varieties. Values mirror DDO coins, ranging from $25 to several hundred dollars depending on the strength of doubling.

3. Die Clash Error

A die clash happens when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. Each die picks up a ghost impression of the opposing die’s design, which then appears on subsequently struck coins. On 2011 Lincoln cents, a die clash may produce a faint outline of the Union Shield appearing on Lincoln’s portrait, or traces of Lincoln’s face appearing on the shield. GreatCollections auctioned a 2011-P Lincoln cent graded MS60 with a die clash error for $515 in 2014. A 2011-D MS64 with a die clash brought $1,030 at GreatCollections in a separate sale.

4. Die Crack Varieties

Die crack errors appear as raised lines across a coin’s surface when metal fills fractures in a worn die during striking. The most sought-after variety features dramatic cracks running through Lincoln’s portrait, creating the appearance of facial scars — sometimes called “crying Lincoln” varieties by collectors. These command $15–$75 depending on crack prominence and location, with particularly striking crack patterns noted through the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on Philadelphia examples.

5. Feeder Finger Error

The feeder finger error is unique to modern automated coining. Feeder fingers are the mechanical arms that position blank planchets in the coining collar. When they fail to retract before the dies strike, they leave distinctive horizontal scratch patterns on the coin’s surface — usually on the obverse. A collector paid $980 for a 2011-D Lincoln penny with a feeder finger error at an online auction in August 2018.

6. Capped Die Error

A capped die error occurs when a struck coin sticks to the die and is carried through subsequent strikes, eventually forming a curved cap shape. This rarer error produces dramatically distorted coins. Heritage Auctions sold a 2011-D penny graded MS65 with a capped die error for $1,095 in 2012 — making it one of the single most valuable 2011 penny errors on record.

7. Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes happen when the blank planchet is not properly centered in the coining collar. The result is a coin where part of the design is missing, replaced by a blank area. Values depend directly on the degree of misalignment: 5–15% off-center examples are worth $20–$75, while dramatically misaligned 50% off-center coins with the date still visible can reach $200 or more. Look for a clearly visible date, as collectors strongly prefer off-center errors where the year can still be confirmed.

8. Retained Cud Error

A retained cud forms when a piece of die material breaks away but remains loosely attached, creating blob-like raised areas on finished coins. A notable 2011-D penny with a large cud covering portions of the Union Shield sold for $340 at auction in 2022, demonstrating sustained collector appetite for dramatic die-failure errors even a decade after minting.

9. Strike-Through Error

Strike-through errors happen when a foreign object — fabric fiber, wire, a piece of paper, or debris — becomes lodged between the die and the planchet during striking. The object leaves its impression embedded in the coin’s surface, sometimes partially and sometimes fully. A 2011 Philadelphia penny with a clear strike-through pattern resembling cloth fibers achieved $225, while grease-filled die strike-throughs that obscure portions of Lincoln’s portrait or the shield design can add $50–$150 to a coin’s value.

10. Annealed Planchet Error

The annealing process heats blank planchets before they are struck, making the metal softer and easier to coin. When temperature fluctuations occur during this phase, the planchet can emerge with an unusual color — blackish, grayish, purplish, orange, or even bright yellow instead of the standard copper-red. In 2012, a collector paid $980 for a 2011-P Lincoln penny graded MS62 with an annealed planchet error showing an unusual off-color surface.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where to Sell Your 2011 Penny

After discovering what your 2011 Shield cents might be worth, the next step is connecting with reputable buyers who understand their numismatic significance. I’ve analyzed the premier online marketplaces and auction platforms where collectors actively pursue these modern Lincoln varieties, outlining each venue’s advantages and potential drawbacks to help you maximize your coin’s value in today’s competitive marketplace.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

2011 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About the 2011 Penny Value

1. What makes 2011 pennies valuable compared to other modern cents?

The 2011 penny is the second year of the Union Shield design, produced during a period when die refinements improved striking quality over the debut 2010 coins. High-grade MS68 examples have sold for $575–$667, while proof specimens can reach $390. Value comes from exceptional preservation, mint location, color designation (RD is most valuable), and special designations like Deep Cameo or designer signatures.

2. How can I tell if my 2011 penny is worth more than face value?

Look for a bright, original copper-red color with no spots or cleaning marks. Find the mint mark below the date — blank for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco proofs. Inspect it under a loupe (magnifying glass) for contact marks; even minor imperfections can separate an MS67 ($39–$55) from an MS68 ($575–$667). Any coin with visible doubling, unusual coloring, or off-center design may be an error worth researching further.

3. Should I have my 2011 penny professionally graded?

Professional grading through PCGS or NGC is only financially worthwhile for coins that appear to be MS67 or higher, confirmed error varieties, or proof specimens in pristine condition. With grading fees typically running $20–$50 per coin, submitting a common MS64 penny makes no economic sense. A good rule of thumb: if the coin’s potential value is at least 3–5 times the grading cost, it may be worth submitting.

4. What is the most expensive 2011 penny ever sold?

The single highest recorded sale is $667 for a 2011-D Lincoln Shield Penny graded MS68 RD by PCGS, sold in 2017. Among error coins, a 2011-D capped die error graded MS65 sold for $1,095 at Heritage Auctions in 2012. A 2011-D with a die clash error graded MS64 sold at GreatCollections for $1,030 — technically the highest error-coin price confirmed for this date.

5. Is there a 2011 silver penny?

No. All 2011 Lincoln cents struck for general circulation were made of a zinc core with 2.5% copper plating — the same composition used since 1982. If a 2011 penny appears silver or white, the copper plating has worn through to reveal the zinc, or the coin has been artificially altered. Neither increases its value. The San Francisco proof coins were struck on the same copper-clad zinc composition.

6. What does the “RD,” “RB,” and “BN” designation mean for my 2011 penny?

These are color designations assigned by grading services to Lincoln cents and other copper coins. RD (Red) means the coin retains 95% or more of its original copper-red surface — the most valuable designation. RB (Red-Brown) indicates 5–94% original red remaining. BN (Brown) means the coin has fully oxidized. For 2011 pennies, the RD designation at high grades like MS67 and MS68 is essential for maximum value. A 2011-D MS67 BN is worth a fraction of the same coin in MS67 RD.

7. How many 2011 proof pennies were made, and where can I find one?

The San Francisco Mint produced 1,673,010 proof 2011-S Lincoln Shield cents. They were sold in the 2011 U.S. Mint Proof Set at an original issue price of $31.95. Today, individual coins broken out of proof sets are widely available on eBay, GreatCollections, and Heritage Auctions. Prices start at around $6 for PR65 examples and climb to $390 for perfect PR70 DCAM specimens.

8. What doubled die varieties exist for 2011 pennies?

Multiple Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) varieties have been documented for 2011 pennies in the CONECA variety reference. The most visually dramatic show doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” Lincoln’s ear, and his eyelid on the obverse, and on “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the reverse. The strongest examples can fetch $100–$720, while minor varieties sell for $25–$50.

9. What is the 2011 penny’s connection to the end of the U.S. penny?

The 2011 penny is part of the Lincoln Shield cent series, which ran from 2010 until November 12, 2025 — when the U.S. Mint ceased striking pennies for general circulation due to production costs reaching approximately 3.7 cents per coin. This makes the entire 2010–2025 Shield cent run historically significant as the final chapter of America’s longest-running coin design. Five final pennies struck on the last day of production were sent to auction as numismatic keepsakes.

10. Can I find a valuable 2011 penny in pocket change today?

Finding a gem-quality MS67+ example in circulation is extremely unlikely — those coins were almost certainly pulled from mint bags or rolls years ago by dealers and collectors. However, off-center strikes, die cracks, feeder finger errors, and annealed planchet errors do occasionally survive in circulation undetected. A loupe (10x magnifying glass) and good lighting are your best tools for a pocket change search. Pay special attention to coins that show doubling on the lettering, unusual coloring, or missing portions of the design.